Frederick Alan Menghini

Frederick Alan Menghini, D.D.S., affectionately known as “Doc” was peacefully called home on March 10, 2026. He was 87 years old. Fred was born September 30,1938 to Ferdinand and Erma (Nizzi) Menghini at Lammie Hospital in Walsenburg, Colorado. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School throughout his elementary and high school years, graduating in 1958. Following graduation, Fred was accepted to Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska to pursue a degree in Dentistry. While in Dental School he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life Marlene Carella on July 1, 1961. Fred and his wife made the decision to move back to Walsenburg to pursue his profession, raise their children, and be close to family. He started his Dental practice at 134 West Seventh Street on August 2, 1965, purchasing it from the late Dr. Charles Brunelli. He served his community and multiple surrounding area successfully for 35 years. Doc was known to tell a few jokes to his patients over his 35 years of practice. He retired on August 1, 2022. Fred was highly active in the Walsenburg community. In his younger days he enjoyed competing on city league teams including volleyball, basketball, and softball. Fred was a proud member of the Walsenburg Club, Walsenburg Lodge NO. 1086 B.P.O Elks, Knights of Columbus #2139 and Fraternal Order of Eagles #145. He was an advocate for further education and supporter of Walsenburg High School Athletics establishing the Walsenburg Booster Club, raising money for school activities. In 1979, Fred was elected to the Huerfano School District RE-1 Board of Education and ended his last 2 years of service as President of the Board. Fred constantly kept busy and in his elder years was President and assisted in maintaining the St. Mary’s North Cemetery. After retirement, he and his wife began their travels throughout Europe, vacationing in multiple countries throughout the years with family and friends. They enjoyed cruising through the Panama Canal, Mexico, and Alaska. Fred and Marlene also frequented Las Vegas and Black Hawk as he enjoyed a bit of gambling and eating at his favorite restaurants. Fred was an avid fly fisherman and spent summer evenings with his father-in-law at Martin and Horseshoe Lakes. He enjoyed spending hours in his man cave tying flies and building clocks for family and friends. Every day one could see Fred and his “little green truck” pulling up to Corine’s to have coffee with friends. Fred loved being surrounded by his family. One of his biggest pleasures in life was traveling to North Dakota with his son and friends for their annual pheasant hunting trip. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Marlene (Carella) Menghini, children, Lori Menghini, Gina (Michael) Drury, and Dr. Fred Menghini Jr. (Dr. Vanessa Menghini). The light of his life, his grandchildren, Captain Zachary (Valerie) Drury, Joshua (Nicole) Drury, Joey Beezley, Kelsey Beezley, Alexis Menghini, Anthony Menghini, and Sophia Menghini Fred is preceded in death by his parents Ferdinand and Erma Menghini, father and mother-in-law James and Francis Carella and William Beezley. The family would especially like to thank Dr. Donald Dutton, Erin Helbing, NP, Barbara Trujillo, Director of Med/Surg/ECU and Spanish Peaks Regional Extended Care Unit Nurses and CNA’s for their compassion and wonderful care given to our beloved father during his final months. Our family is blessed and grateful to all. At the request of the deceased and his wife, private services will be held for immediate family. Burial to follow at a later date. Doc could light up an entire room with his smile and personality. He will be forever missed by his family and forever remain in our hearts.

Frederick Alan Menghini

September 30, 1938 - March 10, 2026